Just what do you do with a PhD in the History of Science? Write novels–science fiction, urban fantasy, and thriller. Our guest today is Steve Ruskin, PhD. He’s the author of the nonfiction popular history novel America’s First Great Eclipse and countless academic writings, and also of the ExoRok Rebels science fiction series and Trina Piper magical thrillers. 

Steve’s unique background in academics and fiction give him great insight to author resources, creativity, and bringing character-driven fiction to life. 

In Part One, We Discuss: 

• Worldbuilding in historical and popular history writings 

•  Nonfiction worldbuilding and research 

• Writing character-driven nonfiction 

• Where to start historical research and how to reach out to professionals

• “Secret histories”: Finding the balance between historical accuracy and fictional liberties 

• Maintaining a timeline and the differences between historical fiction and alternate history 

• The Village Idiot Approach 

Resources and Guest Links: 

• Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/ 

• Steve’s Newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/f424f312-0fb9-11ee-938d-7f884ddf8bd0 

• America’s First Great Eclipse: https://www.amazon.com/Americas-First-Great-Eclipse-Scientists-ebook/dp/B0716GT8FH 

• ExoRok Rebels: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1BMNQQ1 

• Trina Piper Thrillers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KGPCSS 

• Extinction by Douglas Preston: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Extinction-A-Novel/dp/B0C31M5X6V 

Huge thanks to Steve for coming over to record at our dining room table. We love being able to bring field specialists onto the show, and he’s no exception. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! 

Host Links: 

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/

• David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim